DE-CIX announced plans to expand its interconnection model beyond Earth with its new Space-IX initiative. <\/p>\n
The program aims to enable satellite constellations in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to interconnect with each other and with terrestrial networks, creating the groundwork for orbital Internet Exchanges<\/a>.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, DE-CIX outlined how its decades of experience operating Internet Exchanges on the ground could translate to space-based networks. Currently, DE-CIX<\/a> connects more than 4,000 networks at over 60 IX locations worldwide.<\/p>\n \u201cWherever networks are created, interconnection should follow,\u201d said Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX. \u201cWe\u2019re applying the same interconnection principles we use on Earth to space infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n DE-CIX is involved in the European Space Agency\u2019s OFELIAS project, working alongside the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to develop laser-based communications between satellites. <\/p>\n These optical links offer faster data transmission than traditional radio signals but also require new protocols to handle challenges such as atmospheric interference.<\/p>\n While OFELIAS focuses on satellite-to-ground communication, DE-CIX\u2019s Space-IX initiative is looking at large-scale interconnection among space-based systems themselves. <\/p>\n This would create a network in orbit that mirrors the interconnected nature of the terrestrial Internet.<\/p>\n In August 2025, DE-CIX India became the first internet exchange platform in the country to integrate Starlink, <\/a>SpaceX\u2019s satellite broadband network, into its interconnection ecosystem. This development highlights how terrestrial and orbital networks are beginning to merge, especially for applications where low latency is critical.<\/p>\n The space economy is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by sectors such as global broadband, IoT, AI, and remote sensing.<\/p>\n British astronaut Tim Peake and other experts have discussed the possibility of data centres in orbit, which could reduce latency and increase computing capacity in space. <\/p>\n Peake serves as a strategic advisor for Axiom Space and is involved in promoting the UK’s role in space-based innovation.<\/p>\n Axiom Space announced plans to launch its first two Orbital Data Center (ODC) nodes into low-Earth orbit (LEO) before the end of 2025. <\/p>\n The ODCs will offer secure, scalable cloud-enabled services, which include data storage, processing, and AI\/ML capabilities, directly to satellites, constellations, and other spacecraft. <\/p>\n Earlier this year, Axiom launched a prototype data processing unit (AxDCU-1) to the ISS in partnership with Red Hat.<\/p>\n Peake commented, \u201cThe idea being that by the mid-2030s you have cost-parity between choosing an Orbital data centre vs a cloud server \u2013 you know, a database that would be here on earth.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause in space you\u2019ve got clean, free limitless energy and you\u2019ve got limitless ability to have thermal rejection into the vacuum of space with no impact on the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED STORIES<\/p>\n DE-CIX India first to welcome Starlink into interconnection ecosystem<\/a><\/p>\n